TRACTOR PARTS Allis Chalmers Case & David Brown Farmall & International Ferguson Ford & New Holland John Deere Massey Ferguson Massey Harris Minneapolis Moline Oliver & Cockshutt Kubota / Yanmar

TRACTOR MANUALS

Allis Chalmers	Case	Farmall IH	Ford 8N,9N,2N	Ford
Ferguson	John Deere	Massey Ferguson	Minn. Moline	Oliver

Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

advice on buying a tractor

Welcome Guest, Log in or Register

Author

06-30-2004 17:42:08

Report to Moderator

Was all set to buy a Ford 8N because my neighbor told me that it would be a good little tractor for me. I am NOT a mechanic of any sort. I have 20 acres, mostly pasture, so I would use the tractor for cutting fields (not as high as the hay, just keeping it cut) and need a bush hog. I would also use a plow/cultivator later on to cut up some of that pasture for future garden. The 8N sounded ok. So did a JD 650 that another neighbor had to sell, but the neighbor advising the 8N told me that I could get the Ford for 1/2 the price, or almost. I'm looking to spend around 3K max. Also, the JD is pretty small, and I wondered how well it could bush hog. I think it is called a "garden" tractor. However, on another forum, I have now learned that the 8N might not be the best one for me due to lots of things: primarily safety factors. I've learned that there are "better" models that can do the job and also safer, and mechanically easier, or at least as simple.

The question now is: allright, what? I know what a Farmall looks like (do they have the live PTO/hydraulics?); I do not know Oliver or the Ford 660 (also suggested). IH was another one suggested.

Figured before I bought, I'd do research and ask experts on this forum. The needs: bushhog, live PTO/hydraulics (wouldn't be able to do much manually), safety, ease of repair, cost.

Thanks.

But, on another forum

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Adam in VA

07-06-2004 10:33:38

Report to Moderator

Re: advice on buying a tractor in reply to TD, 06-30-2004 17:42:08

Buy an Allis Chalmers. Great quality, best features and options, better parts availability than many brands, and you can probably buy an Allis AND a mower for much, much less than a single tractor from IH, JD, or any of the other makes. I recently purchased a 1955 Allis WD-45 and a Woods 7' mower for $800. I mowed 10 acres yesterday with the Allis and it meets or exceeds the performance of my John Deere 4020 and Bush Hog mower, and the pathetic thing is that the 4020 and the Bush Hog would cost you over $7,000 if you were to go out and buy them. John Deeres are over-priced and over-rated, Fords are over-rated, Farmalls are good tractors for the money most of the time, and most of the other major brands are ok, but parts and reliability can be a problem. Anyway do whatever you want to, but do some research on all of your options.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Bill(Wis)

07-01-2004 21:32:03

Report to Moderator

Re: advice on buying a tractor in reply to TD, 06-30-2004 17:42:08

Since you're on a limited budget, why don't you look at a used Allis? They are always less expensive than Ford or Ferguson but are high quality, powerful tractors. D10, D12,D14,D15. Any one of those would be a good choice.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

leland

07-01-2004 21:25:41

Report to Moderator

Re: advice on buying a tractor in reply to TD, 06-30-2004 17:42:08

If you want a ford look nfor a 4000 nice smell tractor safer and easier to operate than a 8n. if you think about it the 8n will nickel and dime you due to age and parts will be harder and more costly as time goes on a good 4000 will do every thing you want and if you learn to maintain it it will last you 30 to 40 years an 8n is like a yugo compared to the 3000 or 4000 fords like one guy said if you can afford 20 ac you can afford a real and much safer tractor

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Dave 2N

07-01-2004 16:42:20

Report to Moderator

Re: advice on buying a tractor in reply to TD, 06-30-2004 17:42:08

An 8N will be just fine for your situation.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Jumptrap

07-01-2004 10:22:46

Report to Moderator

Re: advice on buying a tractor in reply to TD, 06-30-2004 17:42:08

You have certainly gotten lots of opinions here and mine is no different I suppose, but my approach is a bit different. Some of these folks are advising to you buy ancient iron because that is what they LIKE. OLIVER hasn't built a tractor in 30+ years. I very well recall our first tractor, a 1946 OLIVER 60. Yeah it was a good machine, but nowadays it belongs in a museum. The next tractor was an Allis 'CA'. A major step up as it had hydraulics, a snap coupler hitch and a hand clutch (for semi-live power). Then came the John Deere 430....the Allis was twice the machine excepting the 3 point hitch the JD had. The snap coupler system is superior, but didn't catch on. All of those machines are old and antiquated, mostly worn out when you find them and best suited for somebody who likes to play with old machinery. If you're like me, you buy the tractor to perform work with, not to work ON. I don't have time to screw around with something like that. If I want to see old machines, I go to an antique machinery show....fun to look at, not practical for everyday use. That 8N is a POS, run from it and throw rocks at your neighbor for suggesting that you buy it. The 650 JD is too small, but you're on the right track. Get yourself something made within the last 20 years that has a diesel engine and a live PTO and hopefully, with 2000 hours or less. A fine small tractor for your use is the JD 1050. It has a turbo diesel 33 PTO horsepower, live power and weighs around 3000 pounds. The Yanmar engine is like a Toyota....they run forever if treated half way right. I have a 1050 that I bought 21 years ago...it's a '80 model. It had 447 hours when I got it from the original owner. I got the tractor, 2-14" spring trip plows, a boom pole, a 5' JD bushhog, a 6' Ferguson adjustable disc and a set of one row cultivators for $6800. In the last 21 years, I have replaced the clutch, battery, seat, and relined the brakes once. I change oil twice a year and the fuel and air filters each season. It now has 1460 hours on it. I mow a 2 acre yard with it once a week and mow a small pasture when it needs it and plow the garden. It has been a fine machine. NO, I wouldn't recommend it for daily hard farming, although it will work circles around the old Allis CA and JD 430 we had years ago. But I'm not farming and neither are you. I'd say you could probably find a decent 1050 for $4500 or so.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Ron

07-01-2004 15:35:51

Report to Moderator

Re: Re: advice on buying a tractor in reply to Jumptrap, 07-01-2004 10:22:46

Olivers were and still are the best tractor ever made. That's why so many are in use. In my neck of the woods, there are 4-5 of them for every other make. Several dairy farms here use nothing but Olivers.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Mike (WA)

07-01-2004 12:48:10

Report to Moderator

Re: Re: advice on buying a tractor in reply to Jumptrap, 07-01-2004 10:22:46

Don't know where you are finding them for $4,500- the prices on tractors in general in my area (western Washington) are comparable or lower than most areas of the country, and I haven't seen a 1050 I'd bother to take home for less than 6 grand. Recall that the man has a pretty firm budget of $3,000, so he's going to end up with something fairly elderly. I have had an Oliver 550 diesel for about 25 years, and probably haven't spent a thousand dollars in repairs, even including filters, since I bought it.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Jumptrap

07-01-2004 16:08:34

Report to Moderator

Re: Re: Re: advice on buying a tractor in reply to Mike (WA), 07-01-2004 12:48:10

Well, knowing that the 1050 has held its value so well is good news. I haven't had any need to keep up with the prices they bring. For 21 years of service the 1050 has provided, I have spent the following; The clutch as I recall, was something like $315. I had the brake shoes relined at an auto parts store for the grand sum of $22. The seat was free and oil filters have cost me no more $6 each, so 2x$6=$12 times 21, equals $241, the battery was $79...the grand total is $657, plus motor oil and a few tubes of grease. Let's just say $800 total for 21 years..hmm, that's $38 and change, a year for maintinence.

As for the 8N, I had a good friend killed on one. He was pulling a hay wagon, the tongue caught on a high spot and flipped the tractor, crushed his chest under the steering wheel. Sure wasn't the tractors fault, but they are a POS, all the same.

Back when we had the Oliver 60, we had a double bottom 12" pull type plow, a JD sickle mower, and a drag disc. You had to say 12 prayers in the winter to get it started. The Allis CA had a pick up disc, 2 14" plows, and a set of 2 row cultivators. We really moved up in the world equipmentwise when the JD 430 came to roost at out place, we acquired all sorts of 3 point attachments for it...some I am still using! I like green tractors, but the Allis CA would out pull that 430 under any circumstance. In closing, the Allis and 430 are long gone, the old Oliver sits in pieces behind dad's barn....right where it belongs.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Garry

07-01-2004 07:30:46

Report to Moderator

Re: advice on buying a tractor in reply to TD, 06-30-2004 17:42:08

TD, I would agree with Pitch below. Any tractor can be dangerious but the 8N will do a good job for you. To me the bigger problem with the 8N is the non-live lift and not the pto, unless you are mowing close to ponds or mowing in fourth gear. I personally like the utilitiy tractors like the 8N but the Massey Ferguson 35 (or TO 35) would be better for the price (in my opinion)It is very similar to the MF 135 but at a lower price. Some of the other tractors mentioned will also do the job. I use a MF 65 myself and I bought it in the price range you are looking at and I have not had any problems. I think you can get good tractors for $3000. Just my 2 cents.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Steve Mahler

07-01-2004 06:02:37

Report to Moderator

Re: advice on buying a tractor in reply to TD, 06-30-2004 17:42:08

Spend some time on tractor by net and this forum to educate yourself a bit before buying anything. A JD 650 is a small, older compact. And it doesnt offer any more safety equipment (most dont have rollbar) than a Ford 8n. All old cheap tractors need repair and tinkering. I have a friend who cant even keep a 2yr old lawn tractor running due to abuse and neglect, so hopefully you are not this far off...best bet would be to have a friend with some real tractor/farming experience to TEACH you tractors, land, etc.

Be safe.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Jim in IL

07-01-2004 05:57:16

Report to Moderator

Re: advice on buying a tractor in reply to TD, 06-30-2004 17:42:08

All of this advice is good, but I suggest a different approach. Since you admit to not being a mechanic of any sort, why not start there... research and locate a repair shop that will handle the type of small tractor you are interested in. There are many independent shops around here at least. Visit with the owner/mechanic about what they prefer to work on and why. Then when you finally get the rig you want, you will have a resource for getting it fixed. Just a thought. Good luck.

My experiencies growing up with tractors

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Short Round

07-01-2004 05:37:07

Report to Moderator

Re: advice on buying a tractor in reply to TD, 06-30-2004 17:42:08

Like mentioned in other posts, you will have to spend more money to get anything decent. I was in the same boat a few years ago. Looked at a lot of tractors in the 3 to 4 k range and found only someones used up junk. If you only want to spend that much you soon will become an expert at fixing things or else spend a lot of money at the dealer. Look at spending around 10K then you can get most all of the options you need. Buy quality stuff and you will not be disappointed. With good quality you will have no problem getting you money out of it if you decide to sell. "Been there and done that" Good luck

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Randy

07-01-2004 05:34:18

Report to Moderator

Re: advice on buying a tractor in reply to TD, 06-30-2004 17:42:08

Don't rule out IH 300, 350 Utility tractors. I picked up a 300 Utility for my 20 acres for 2K and its all the tractor I'll ever need.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

07-01-2004 06:16:24

Report to Moderator

Re: Re: advice on buying a tractor in reply to Randy, 07-01-2004 05:34:18

Thanks to those of you who have replied to my request, which was to suggest a tractor. Those of you who tell me to learn mechanical skills or spend more money -- well, thanks, but that wasn't the focus of my message. First of all, I wouldn't buy a tractor if I didn't have proximity to it being repaired. I do. AND, believe me, if I had 10K to spend on a tractor, I would. I don't.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Pitch

07-01-2004 15:39:58

Report to Moderator

Re: Re: Re: advice on buying a tractor in reply to TO, 07-01-2004 06:16:24

I hope that your reply was not meant to be as sarcastic as I interpreted it as. You came here asking advice and you got it. If you have someone that is gonna drop what they are doing and run over to help you cause your points slipped while you were out mowin Bless you ,you are a lucky man. With your budget you can get a decent old tractor but it won't be trouble free. Good Luck to you Sir!!!

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Sid

07-01-2004 16:17:42

Report to Moderator

Re: Re: Re: Re: advice on buying a tractor in reply to Pitch, 07-01-2004 15:39:58

I think TO made a valid point here. Time after time I see someone ask a question and many times the replies given do not even begin to address the question.. As for being sarcastic. "Good Luck to you Sir!!! could also be interpreted as being sarcastic.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

06-30-2004 19:12:16

Report to Moderator

Re: advice on buying a tractor in reply to TD, 06-30-2004 17:42:08

8N: no power steering, no live PTO, Hydraulics?- live from engine driven addon pump possible, plow and cultivator available- 8N 3pt hitch default standard for mounted small/medium implements. Comparatively simple tractor, parts available. Design is 8N=1948 model, later model ford has some of the advanced features, safer?. JD650 =Garden tractor- yes, but your stated planned use is large lawnmower and garden tractor. H Farmall, B or 50 JD, WD Allis of about same vintage and price better cultivators, about as safe. Later tractor with ROPS safer. Nut behind steering wheel main safety hazard. RN

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

barryinmn

06-30-2004 19:00:41

Report to Moderator

Re: advice on buying a tractor in reply to TD, 06-30-2004 17:42:08

I second the advice.
1. Try to double/triple your budget, or first learn some mechanics skills. Will save frustrating walks back to the barn. 2. Don't get any tractor without a rollbar & seat belt, especially if you find something with a loader attachment.
3. Reread items 1 & 2.

Have fun learning!

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Ron

06-30-2004 18:28:46

Report to Moderator

Re: advice on buying a tractor in reply to TD, 06-30-2004 17:42:08

I wish they were all this easy!

You can get an Oliver 1650 with 66 hp, 18 forward & 6 reverse speeds, power steering, live hydraulics and a live independent 540/1000 pto, 3 pt., sturdy as an anvil and easy to work on for less than $3,000. Shop around.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

ShepFL

06-30-2004 18:54:50

Report to Moderator

Re: Re: advice on buying a tractor in reply to Ron, 06-30-2004 18:28:46

If I only had to have one tractor the 1650 WFE DSL would be it!!

In older utility rigs my preferance is Oliver 550. See link

Oliver Purchase Article

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

wdTom

06-30-2004 18:16:28

Report to Moderator

Re: advice on buying a tractor in reply to TD, 06-30-2004 17:42:08

I don't know about what other tractors would have live hydraulics and PTO, but Allis Chalmers WDs, WD45s, and CAs have these features and you should be able to buy one of these fore somewhat less than $3000, even one in good condition. As for power, 20 acres isn't much. As a kid I worked on a farm (in the 60s) that only had an AC model B, (about 20 hp) as the only tractor for everything up until 1956 when they bought a WD45. That little B did everything, mowed, raked, baled, spread manure, plowed, harrowed, etc. everything. This was a 160 acre New England farm and they rented or bought hay from about that many more acres all over the area. Twenytfive or 30 hp will do your 20 acres.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Van(WA)

06-30-2004 18:08:26

Report to Moderator

Re: advice on buying a tractor in reply to TD, 06-30-2004 17:42:08

TD, Your biggest problem is your small budget! For $3000, you are not going to get a tractor that will do 20 acres with ease! If you can afford 20 acres you can afford more money for a decent tractor that will do all of your work., you can always hire the work done.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Pitch

06-30-2004 18:36:03

Report to Moderator

Re: Re: advice on buying a tractor in reply to Van(WA), 06-30-2004 18:08:26

For what you wanna do an 8n would work fine.All tractors of that vintage are going to have inherent safety issues. Being a tractor novice you probably should stay away from row crop tractors (They Have a Higher center of gravity) Youy really need to increase your budget to 5 or 6000.00 I own a 49 8n and it does all I ask it to butfeatures such as live PTO remote hydraulics , power steering would help a lot. First thing you should do before buying any tractor go to your states co-op extension site on the web and read all you can find onfarm and tractor safety. With a budget like your talking about you ARE GOING TO LEARN MECHANICAL SKILLS. These old tractors are simple they were made so a guy with a rudimentay tool kit could work on them in the field or the barn. But you need to know the basics of internal combustion and automotive electrics. Your local tractor dealer gets way to much an hour to pay for every thing you are gonna need done. I would look at MF 135 gas if I was you. With zip mechanical aptitude stay away from deisals.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

[Options] [Printer Friendly] [Posting Help] [Return to Forum] [Log in to Reply]

TRACTOR PARTS	TRACTOR MANUALS

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]

Home | Forums

Copyright © 1997-2023 Yesterday's Tractor Co.
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy

TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters

Website Accessibility Policy